+Mirumir 5,071

After a series of teasers, Audi has finally revealed the facelifted 2014 A8/S8 range.

In terms of design, we characterize the styling as being evolutionary thanks to the slightly revised front bumper, front grille and a more sculpted hood. Audi is offering the revised A8 with standard LED headlights for V8-powered models sold in Germany, but for more money clients can opt for the Matrix LED headlights that have 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit which can be switched on/off individually depending on road conditions. Audi is also introducing sequentially illuminated LED turn signals with 18 LEDs in the headlights and 24 LEDs in the taillights.

At the back we notice the flatter LED taillights, along with a reworked bumper that incorporates two rhomboid tailpipes (except for the S8). There are new chrome strips and high-gloss black window frames rounding off the list of exterior changes. Audi says the 2014 A8 is available with twelve paint schemes, (including five new ones), while alloys are available in sizes of up to 21 inches.

Moving on to engine lineup, in Germany it will be sold with a 3.0-liter TFSI delivering 310 HP (228 kW), a V8 4.0-liter TFSI twin-turbo with 435 HP (320 kW), along with a 3.0-liter TDI outputting 258 HP (190 kW) and a 4.2-liter TDI rated at 385 HP (283 kW). We should also mention the A8 L W12 quattro with its 6.3-liter mill churning 500 HP (368 kW) and the S8 that delivers 520 HP (380 kW) from its 4.0-liter TFSI.

The 2014 Audi A8 Hybrid makes use of a lithium-ion battery, 2.0-liter TFSI and an electric motor to provide a combined output of 245 HP (180 kW) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. The conventional engine drives the front wheels while the electric motor powers the rear axle.

Performance-wise, the 4.0 TFSI A8 quattro does 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds, making it 0.3 slower than the hotter S8. The hybrid model can run solely on electric power for about 1.86 miles (3 km) during which it can hit a top speed of 62 mph.

Moving inside the cabin and there are ventilated front seats with massage function, along with individual electrically-adjustable rear seats optionally available for the A8 and A8 L. The latter can also be configured with a continuous, leather-wrapped center console, as well as other optional goodies like four-zone automatic AC and relaxation seat with power footrest.

For the mid-cycle refresh Audi has also upgraded various safety systems like active lane assist, head-up display and night vision assistant. On the entertainment front there is a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a rear seat entertainment system featuring a DVD player, two screens and Bluetooth headphones.

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AJerman 762

right, but is that really such a bad thing? why would you change perfection?

Because while they do have great styling and class, the look is getting a little boring now. The S5 was perfection and I think they know that. Every car since then has had a very definite S5 styled look.

It's like I was just saying about the late model Corvette earlier to some friends. For being such a "nice" car, it's SO damn boring because they all look exactly the same.

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tsupersonic 1,311

That's why it's called a facelift. Visually, the body doesn't change, only the front fascia and the optics change. There are some other under-the-hood improvements too.

Hence my inclusion for the other terminology that other manufacturer's use... That and it's very meh for even a facelift/LCI/etc. As far as luxury cars go, this is about boring as they come, right next to the Lexus LS.

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+Mirumir 5,071

According to Audi's site, the 6.3L W12 is putting down 500 hp/463 tq @4750 rpm. That's weaker than the S8's v8 at 520 hp/481 tq @5500 rpm. Really weak for a 12 cylinder

Please explain how having 463 @ 4750 is weaker than 481 @ 5500. The W12 pumps out nearly identical maximum amount of torque power (-18...a variance of three point something percent) a whole 750 RPM earlier (13-15% sooner).

Also, you seem to criticize Audi's engines all the time for the lack of power. It's quite common. What some BMW and Benz lovers fail to understand when comparing the torque of said firms' engines is that Audi's, in general, are lighter cars, thanks to the usage of aluminum. So an Audi with X amount of power usually outperforms its competitors with the comparable engine power. This is the reason why both Benz and BMW have to increase the power of their engines in order to compensate for the heavier weight (and catch up to Audi's performance), thus making the cars less efficient.